Executive and Program Assistant

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Biological Sciences is home to a newly established six-year, multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research program led by Dr. Lisa Willis as Principal Investigator, with the University of Alberta as the lead and administering institution. The program brings together researchers from eight universities in Canada and Australia, national blood services, patient and community organizations, and international partners to develop more equitable and resilient approaches to blood donation and transfusion. Its work spans three interconnected research aims across the natural, health, clinical and social sciences, and it will engage approximately 60 students and postdoctoral fellows, along with research staff, over its life.

The program is governed through a set of standing committees, including a Project Management Committee, an Executive Committee, an International Advisory Board, and committees for training; equity, diversity and inclusion; and people with lived experience. It carries annual financial and progress reporting obligations to its sponsor. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Executive and Program Assistant is dedicated full-time to
this program.

The position provides confidential executive support to the Principal Investigator, serves as secretariat to the program’s governance committees, acts as the first point of contact for the program, and works with the Program Managers and Research Communication Lead to coordinate the program’s day-to-day administrative, financial, event and communications activities in compliance with University and sponsor policies. The position works closely with the PI, program staff, departmental and Faculty administrative staff, and University central units, and liaises with researchers, partners and advisors at institutions across Canada and internationally.